eläintutkimuksessa

Eläintutkimuksessa is a Finnish term that translates to "in animal research" or "in animal studies." It refers to the scientific investigation that involves the use of animals. This type of research is conducted across a wide range of disciplines, including medicine, biology, pharmacology, and psychology, to understand biological processes, develop new treatments for diseases, and ensure the safety of drugs and other products.

The use of animals in research is governed by strict ethical guidelines and regulations in many countries. These regulations aim to minimize animal suffering and ensure that animals are used only when necessary and when alternative methods are not available. The "3Rs" principle – Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement – is a widely adopted framework guiding ethical animal research. Replacement involves using non-animal methods whenever possible. Reduction focuses on using the minimum number of animals required to obtain scientifically valid results. Refinement means modifying procedures to minimize pain, distress, or lasting harm to the animals used.

Historically, animal research has been instrumental in numerous medical breakthroughs, such as the development of vaccines, antibiotics, insulin, and surgical techniques. It continues to be a vital component in understanding complex biological systems and diseases that affect both humans and animals. However, ongoing advancements in alternative methods, such as in vitro cell cultures, computer modeling, and organ-on-a-chip technology, are increasingly being developed and integrated into research protocols, aiming to further reduce and eventually replace the need for animal use in certain areas.